2026 World Cup: Former world champion buries Neymar's hopes with Brazil

Neymar at the 2026 World Cup? Emerson Leão, Brazil's former World Champion from 1970, wants nothing to do with it.

Since his return to Santos, Neymar has been going through a rough patch. The club is facing relegation threats and Neymar is struggling to string together strong performances, plagued by injuries and disappointing displays. This situation has sparked intense criticism in Brazil. Emerson Leão, who lifted the World Cup with Brazil in 1970, didn’t hold back on Neymar either.

"Neymar is not a role model for anyone. He started his career as a wonderful star. I remember a day when I played against Santos. I walked past him and told him: 'Look, kid, we're going to need you for the World Cup, take care of yourself.' And that's exactly the one thing he hasn't done. I believe one thing depends on the other: the man off the pitch and the man on it. He hasn't stopped playing football, but today, he just doesn't have the same energy as before because he's not prepared. So, what happens? Injuries and problems. I don't see him solving our problems. His best days are behind him. In his mind, when he's about to make a move, he knows what he wants to do, but he just can't do it anymore. He doesn't have the same muscle response or the same training rhythm. He's not the same player. It's pointless..." Emerson Leão told TyC Sports.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.